

271: There Is Evil In The World. Stories of the Horrors of War. "Only Cry for the Living", with Hollie McKay
Mar 3, 2021
Hollie McKay, an Australian-American journalist and author of "Only Cry for the Living," shares her gripping insights into the human cost of war in the Middle East. She recounts chilling tales of individuals trapped by ISIS, revealing their harrowing struggles for survival. The discussion delves into the complexities of reporting from conflict zones, emphasizing the crucial role of local fixers. McKay also explores the multifaceted motivations behind joining extremist groups, shedding light on the emotional toll of storytelling in the face of such profound trauma.
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Basima's Story
- Basima, a Yazidi woman, shared her harrowing experience of ISIS captivity.
- She and her siblings disguised themselves as boys to avoid being raped, but were ultimately abused.
Ghazal's Story
- Ghazal, another Yazidi woman, was captured with her children.
- She was forced to marry an ISIS fighter and endured torture.
Unexpected Path
- Hollie McKay's path to journalism was unplanned.
- She initially pursued ballet, which instilled discipline and a global perspective.